How To Identify BMW Premature Brake Disc Wear

BMW’s philosophy is to build high-quality vehicles that are also affordable. This is why the carmaker offers a wide range of affordable Performance Vehicles and Performance cars, with less expensive versions available for drivers who want to take their driving experiences into their own hands.

So What Is Premature Brake Disc Wear?

It’s the wearing a way of brake discs due to friction from usage. As brakes work by slowing down your vehicle, so it comes to a halt, excessive wear can result in systems that don’t slow down as much or stop completely. BMW automobiles have disc brake systems similar to the ones found on other vehicles, but because the brand is known for its marque’s premium Driving Experience, they added more training wheels to prevent premature brake wear. Here are some ways you can check if your BMW has premature brake disc wear:

Vibrations While Braking

Brake systems utilize fluid to hold pads against the rotor. As this fluid is displaced by movement, it creates friction that causes pads to wear. This friction builds up over time and eventually causes the pads to wear. The vibrations from traffic, increasing MPG, hard acceleration, and cornering will all cause vibrations that will cause brake pads to wear. If you notice vibration while braking, try lowering the tension in the brake lines to reduce harshness. If that doesn’t help, the system may be too lean.

Poor Stopping Power Or Distance

Poor stopping power or distance is another cause for the failure of brake pads. This can be apparent when trying to bring your car to a complete stop in a parking lot or when you are approaching an intersection and want to stop as quickly as possible. If your car doesn’t stop as quickly as you’d like, it could be due to inadequate pad wear.

Squeaking Or Grinding Noises When Braking

The grinding or squeaking noises that some owners experience when they first start braking may be the result of faulty brake lines or other system components. If you experience this while driving, it may be due to a faulty actuator, cable, or drum. If a drum is the source of the noise, it could be fixed, but if not, then the best course of action is always to replace the drum.

Reduced Brake Performance

While most people are satisfied with the stopping power of their brakes, some owners report reduced brake performance after a certain age. This could be due to a couple of things:

  • The friction from driving may wear the pads down. This is the easiest way to detect, as it’s very obvious by the friction from the braking.
  • The rotors may become less dense because of the effects of age, and also, the gradual breakdown of a rotor can occur.
  • The use of harsh chemicals or high-speed driving can wear down the rotors, the most common cause of which is the use of nitro-based compounds on track days.

Brake Fade 

The most common cause of brakes that don’t stop properly is “brake fade.” This can be triggered by two factors. The first is when the pads become too hot from friction. The other is when the rotors begin to fail because of overheating. To identify if your brakes are wearing out, drive your car at normal cruising speed, and take note of the amount of time it takes your car to come to a complete stop. If the time it takes to stop is higher than other cars on the road, then your car’s brakes are wearing out. If your car comes to a complete stop quickly, then it doesn’t have enough stopping power to prevent a skid. If this is the case, then your car needs new brake pads.

Final Words

If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above, it’s helpful to take your car to a BMW Certified Service Center. A professional technician will be able to identify the problem and provide a proper diagnosis.